The Akin Rotimi, Spokesperson for the House of Representatives, has reiterated that the electronic transmission of election results is a mandatory requirement under the recently passed Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Arise Television, Rotimi clarified amid public debate that the provision explicitly requires presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s IREV portal.
“Transmission of election results electronically is mandatory. It is clearly stated in the provisions passed by the National Assembly. The presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from its polling unit to the IREV portal,” Rotimi said.
He further explained that the House and Senate initially passed separate versions of the bill, which contained differences in certain clauses. A joint conference committee, comprising members of both chambers, was subsequently set up to harmonise the disputed provisions.
“The members of this committee met and considered this provision extensively. During the period while they were still meeting, INEC announced the electoral timetable,” Rotimi added.
His clarification comes amid ongoing public discussion and controversy over the harmonisation process of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.